Storm window



Nov. 23, 1965 R. JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 pq/ i w i 44 /44 w MEA-m z A $2 73? $7421.

Nov. 23, 1965 R. JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 SheetsSheet 2 Nov. 23, 1965 "R.JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1 amvzon Nov. 23, 1965-JOHNSTON ETAL 3,219,100

STORM WINDOW Filed May 15. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TORS. ye 7'2 .72717a: 5'0 71 United States Patent 3,219,100 STORM WINDOW RobertJohnston, Birmingham, and Wesley K. Strehlau, St. Clair Shores, Mich.,assignors to Security Aluminum Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation.of Michigan Filed May 15, 1961, Ser. No. 110,004 6 Claims. (Cl. 160-90)This invention relates to improvements in window construction and moreparticularly to the type which is provided with slidably mounted windowsand one or more screens which are mounted on the frame supporting thewindows to provide a convertible window construction. These convertibletypes of window constructions may be referred to as self-storing stormwindows.

Applicants improved self-storing window construction disclosed hereinprovides novel screen structure including improved screen retainingmeans, screen positioning and stop means, screen latching means, andscreen sash gusset means. Moreover, applicants invention includes novelwindow frame means including track means for slidably mounting thescreen, and removable dust shield means for allowing the conversion ofthe triple track frame to a double track frame and vice versa.

One of the principal objects of this invention is to .provide a windowframe which is readily convertible from a triple track to a double trackstructure so as to readily adapt the frame to spatial limitations of thebuilding or other structure using the frame.

Another object is to provide novel type retaining means for the screento allow the same to be readily removed from the aforesaid third trackof the frame by a simple sidewise motion.

A further object is to provide the above retaining means withnon-abrasive bearing means for preventing abrasion of the frame by thescreen.

A further object is to provide a double track type of window frame withan additional third track for accommodating a screen without extendingthe thickness of the double track frame.

Another object is to provide an improved type of latching device whichin cooperation with a portion of the aforesaid window frame and screenstop means sturdily maintains the screen in its operative screeningposition, and which allows itself to be unlatched by the simple motionof a leverage portion provided on the latching end of said latchingmeans.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 represents a partly broken away elevational view of applicantsconvertible or self-storing storm window structure;

FIGURE 2 represents a cross sectional view of FIG- URE 1 taken along theline 22 thereof in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 3 represents a cross sectional view of FIG- URE 1 taken along theline 33 thereof in the direction of the arrows and showing the screen inits partially applied position;

FIGURE 4 represents a cross sectional view of FIG- URE 1 taken along theline 44 thereof in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 5 represents a cross sectional view of the structure of FIGURE 1taken along the line 55 in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 6 represents a cross sectional view of a structure similar tothat of FIGURE 1 taken along a line which would correspond to 2-2 ofFIGURE 1 with the upper portion thereof broken away and in the directionof the arrows, and showing an alternative screen in place;

FIGURE 7 represents an isometric view of the elements ice of the screenframe and combination gusset retaining means therefor;

FIGURE 7a illustrates the assembled combination of a gusset member and ascreen retainer slide as illustrated in exploded form in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 8 represents a top view of a modified form of the screenretaining means slide;

FIGURE 9 represents a side view of the slide of FIG- URE 8;

FIGURE 10 represents an end view of the slide of FIGURES 8 and 9;

FIGURE 11 represents a cross sectional view of the slide of FIGURE 9taken along the line 1111 thereof in the direction of the arrows; and

FIGURE 12 represents a cross sectional view of the structure of FIGURE 7taken along the line 12-12 thereof in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2. of the drawings, a convertible stormwindow generally designated 14 comprises a frame 16 preferably oftubular construction which may be of either extruded members as shown inFIGURE 2, or fabricated from one or more aluminum or other lightweightmaterial sheets as is the method of fabricating the screen frameillustrated in FIGURE 7. Frame 16 is formed to provide a first track orchannel 18 which is positioned exteriorly of the supporting structure 34such as the outside of a building, a second track or channel 20 and athird track or flange 22 formed from an outward extension of an outerside 24 of the second track 20. A flange 26 forms the inner sides oftracks 18 and 20 and a flange 28 forms the outer side of track 18. Inorder to provide proper sealing for the windows generally designated 36and 38, the channels 18 and 20 may extend all the way around the windowopening defined by the frame 16 and generally designated 40. It is seenthat flanges 24, 26, and 28 are in that order progressively reduced in,peripheral dimension so that the outer sides of the window sashes bearagainst their associated flanges 26 or 28. It is noted that the outerface 32 of the frame 16 would normally be seen from the exterior of thebuilding 34 to which the frame 16 is secured by any suitable means suchas screws or bolts.

Window 36 comprises a tubular-shaped sash 42 having sealing means 44extending outwardly toward the flange 28 of frame 16 around three sidesof the window 36 to seal the window 36 against flange 28, and a furthersealing means 45 extending inwardly on the bottom edge of the Window 36to provide sealing with the window 38 when window 38 is in its down andclosed position. In this respect it is noted that window 36 is normallyclosed when up and window 38 is normally closed when down. Frame 42 isprovided at its inner periphery with a groove 46 provided with a seal 48sealingly engaging and retaining the window glass or pane 50. Window 38,though wider than window 36, is of substantially identical structurethereto except that a sealing means 51 is provided which faces inwardlyat the top and a sealing means 53 faces inwardly at the bottom of thewindow 38 toward the top and bottom segments, respectively, of screensash 64. A pair of side sealing means (not shown) is also provided whichface outwardly along the sides of the window 38 toward the flange 26.

Provided at the bottom edge of each of the windows 36 and 38 arechannels 52', 52, respectively, slidably receiving at each side of thewindows 36, 38 positioning catches 54', 54 provided with end portions56, 56, respectively (FIGURE 1) adapted to engage spaced steps 57, FIG-URES 2 and 4, punched in the bottoms of channels 18 and 20. Tabs 58', 58are bent inwardly from portions of the side walls of the channels 52, 52into the slots 60, 60, respectively, in either side of the catches 54,54 to retain the same in channels 52, 52. Resilient means such assprings 55', 55 may be provided in channels 52', 52, respectively toabut catches 54, 54 and urge the same along channels 52, 52 toward thesteps 57 so that the catches 54', 54 will automatically snap into thesteps 57 to position the windows 36, 38, as they are moved along theirrespective tracks 18, 20. Projection 62', 62 are provided on each catch54', 54 to allow it to be grasped and pulled against its respectivespring 55, 55 out of the steps 57, and abutments 59, 59 on the windowsashes 36, 38 engage the catches 54', 54 to prevent them from coming outof the sashes 42', 42 when the windows 36, 38 are removed from the frame16. Projections 61, 61 at the top of the windows 36, 38 and catches 54prevent removal of the windows from the frame until the catches 54 areretracted against their springs 55. When catches 54, 54 are retracted oneither side of the windows 36, 38, a simple twisting motion of eachwindow in the plane of the frame will disengage projections 61, 61 frombehind their respective flanges 26, 24.

Referring to FIGURE 7 wherein is illustrated a sash 64 of a screen 66,which comprises a rectangular arrangement of segments specificallyreferable to as screen side rails 68, a screen sill 70, and a screenhead 72. These sash segments 68, 70, 72 are generally of the same crosssectional configuration comprising a central tubular aperture 74, a slot76 and a groove 78. The edge of a screen fabric 80 fabricated generallyof wire or plastic mesh is inserted and securely held in place in groove78 by an elongated member 82 wedged therein. Gusset members generallydesignated 84 may be provided at each corner of sash 64 and comprise asubstantially right angular planar body 86 having a pair of legs 88 and90 formed thereon. Leg 88 is provided with an inner flange 92 and anouter flange 94, and leg 90 is provided with an inner flange 96 and anouter flange 98. Flange 98 is formed with a recess 100 to provide anopening endwise into the channel formed by leg 88 and its flanges 92 and94. A slot 102 is provided in the adjacent screen side rails 68 tocoincide with the recess 100 when leg 90 is inserted into the aperture74 in side rails 68.

Referring to FIGURE 12, there is illustrated a crosssectional view ofscreen sill 70 with the gusset member 84 in locking position. It is tobe noted that the gusset member 84 described above in connection withthe lower left corner of sash 64 has been rotated ninety degrees inorder that the channels formed by the leg members 88, 90 and 92, 94 and96, 98, respectively, will be properly oriented, viz outwardly facing.Thus, the leg 90 has been inserted into sash sill 70 at the right endthereof and the I leg 88 has been inserted upwardly into right side rail68. It is to be noted that a similar situation will exist as oneprogresses in order around the corners of the sash 64 and leg 88 will beinserted into screen head 72 and leg 90 will be inserted downwardly intorail 68 at the upper right corner. Thus, the insertion of leg 90 intorail 68 and leg 88 into sill 70 provides a firm connection between thesesash segments by the frictional engagement of similar projections 104 oneach of the legs into the slot 76 in each of the sash segments 68, 70and further by the frictional engagement of the legs 88 and 90 and theirrespective flanges 92, 94, 96, and 98 with the inside of the portions ofsaid segments defining the apertures 74.

Referring further to FIGURES 7 and 7a, a screen retainer slide generallydesignated 106 is shown comprising a body 108 having a hook-shaped end110 and an oppositely directed end 112. A tab 114 is formed from thebody 108 to provide a stop shoulder 116 which is adopted to engage theflange 98 of the gusset 84 to limit outward movement of the slide 106when the slide 106 is operated. Tab 114 further provides a stop shoulder118 forengaging an inward travel abutment 120 on flange 92 of the gusset84 to limit inward movement of the slide. When the slide 106 ispositioned in the channel formed by the flanges of leg 88, and theassembled gusset and retainer 4 slide unit is then inserted into theaperture 74 in the sill 70, a bottom edge 122 of the slide body 108rests on flange 94 as fragmentarily shown in phantom in FIGURE 7, and anupper edge portion 124 of body 108 underlies the gusset flange 92. Tab114 and end 112 extend transversely from body 108 and are adapted toengage the keg 88, thereby spacing the body 108 from leg 88suflficiently to allow a helical spring 126 to be inserted between slideend 112 and gusset flange 98. In this manner body 108 and thus tab 114will be constantly urged inwardly of flange 98 to thereby urge retainingend toward the exterior surface of rail 68. Suflicient clearance betweenslide 106 and the walls defining aperture 74 is provided to allow freemovement of the slide therein. It is noted that the height of body 108is such that shoulder 118 will engage abutment as spring 126 urges body108 inwardly in leg 88. It is further noted that the retainer slides 106at adjacent corners of the sash 64 are mirror images of each other sincethe gusset is rotated clockwise ninety degrees from each corner to anadjacent corner.

Referring to FIGURE 3, it is seen that the retainers 106 located oneither side of the screen sash 64 resiliently clamp the sash to theflange-shaped third track 22. Referring also to FIGURE 7, it isparticularly noted that the abutments 120 are so spaced from flanges 98that when the screen sash 64 is resiliently retained on the third rail22 by the retainers 106, the shoulders 118 on the retainers are notbottomed out against the abutments 120. This structure allows thesprings 126 to clamp the retainers to the third rail 22 with suflicientforce to maintain the screen sash 64 at any desired position along theentire length of the third track even though the frame and tracks are ina vertical position as shown in FIGURE 1.

Referring to FIGURES 8-11, a modified form of retainer slide generallydesignated 128 comprises a body 130 of concave cross section as shown inFIGURE 11 and having a top side 132 comprised of a movement limiting tab134 having the same function as that of tab 114 of retainer 106 viz toengage flang 98 in the exploded corner illustrated in FIGURE 7, and areduced thickness continuation section 136 connected at its end to theend 138 of the retainer to strengthen the retainer and its tab 134.Shoulders and 137 on tab 134 function in the same manner as shoulders116 and 118 respectively on slide 106 and in this regard it is to benoted that surface 139 is positioned at least flush with the uppersurface of tab 92 when retainer slide 128 is in position in gusset 84.Retainer slide 128 is further provided with a hook-shaped end 140 andhaving a bearing surface 142 spaced from the body 130 in order to spacethe screen sash 64 from the outer surface 25 of track 22 to preventabrasion of this surface by sash 64 as it moves along said surface.Slide 128 is preferably of a soft, low friction material such as nylonto insure that no abrasion of track 22 occurs. In retainers 106 and 128,the shoulders 116 and 135 respectively, are spaced a suflicient distancefrom flange 98 to allow sufiicient extension of these retainers againstthe force of their springs to allow the opposite side of the screen sashto be lifted away from the track or flange 22 without extension of theretainers 106, 128 on said opposite side.

Referring to FIGURES l and 2, a screen latch generally designated 144 issecured by suitable means such as screws 146 to the bottom of screensash 64. This latch is provided with body portion 148 having a bend 150intermediate its attaching end 152 and its hook-shaped latching end 154.It is seen that in applying the latch 144, the pressure on body 148directed against the concave outer surface 156 of the body will tend toelongate the body and snap the end 154 over the bottom edge 158 of thethird track. A pair of stops 160 and 162 respectively, hooked over thebottom and top edges of track flange 24 provide stop means for thescreen as the flanges 164 and 166 thereof respectively, engage thesestops. It is noted that stop 160 prevents downward movement of thescreen and causes the latch 144 to be stressed to tightly retain thescreen in its lower position.

A dust shield 168, as shown in FIGURE 2, may be inserted into track 18and resiliently retained therein by slight compression of the sides ofsaid shield during its insertion. This shield provides an additionaldust seal with the face portion 170 of the sash of window 38 when it isdesired to close this window and not use the screen 66.

Referring to FIGURE 6, an alternative screen 172 may be used in place ofscreen 66 should it be desired to have a double track structure by notusing the additional third track 22. To do so, the dust shield 168' issnapped out of the track 18 and the screen 172 having projections 174 onthe bottom, and a flange 176 on the top is inserted into position intrack 18 by inserting flange 176 between the frame flange 28 and thesash 42 of window 36 and thereafter pushing the screen down to snap theprojections 174 in behind the flange 26. With the screen in its positionas shown in FIGURE 6 it is then necessary merely to remove the screenstops 160 and 162 in order to have a double track window rather than thetriple track as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. Regarding this modificationand the preferred embodiment illustrated, it is to be noted that thescreen retainer slides 106 described above may be removed and the screen66 should be reduced in its trans verse dimension in order that it maybe accommodated in channel 18. In this regard, it is also to be notedthat the lower flange of the screen sill portion (70 in FIGURE 7) hasbeen removed to facilitate the lower portion of the screen 172 inclearing flange 26 as it is rotated about the line formed by flange 176.

What is claimed is:

1. In a convertible storm window and screen unit wherein the separatewindows are slidably mounted in substantially side-by-side channels andwherein the outer side of one of said channels is formed to provide aflange means, said screen comprising a sash having screen fabricattached thereto, retaining means slidably mounted in said sash andfrictionally engageable with the flange means for slidably and removablyholding said sash outside the adjacent channels and permitting saidscreen to be operated up and down parallel to the windows, saidretaining means including low friction bearing means engaging saidflange means for spacing said sash therefrom to prevent abrasion of saidflange means by said sash during relative movement therebetween.

2. A convertible storm window and screen unit having a window frame forsupporting separate windows and a screen spaced therefrom, said framecomprising first track means defining a window opening and adapted forslidably receiving and retaining first window means, second track meansdefining a window opening and adapted for slidably receiving andretaining second window means, said first and second track meanscomprising adjacent channels each having inner and outer sides foroverlying side portions of said window means to retain the same, andthird track means for slidably receiving the screen, all of said trackmeans lying in approximately spaced parallel planes relative to each.other, said third track means comprising flange means on said unit atopposite portions of the openings defined by said first and second trackmeans and being an extension of the outer side of one of said first andsecond track means, said screen comprising a sash having screen fabricattached thereto, retaining means slidably mounted in said sash andfrictionally engageable with said flange means for slidably andremovably holding said sash outside the adjacent channels and permittingsaid screen to be operated up and down parallel to the win dows, saidretaining means including low friction bearing means intermediate saidsash and flange means for spacing the same to prevent abrasion of saidflange means by said sash during relative movement between said sash andflange means.

3. In a unit adapted to be removably attached to a window frame, theunit having a sash formed of a plurality of tubular segments attached atthe ends thereof by gusset means and attached to the window frame byretaining means interacting with the gusset means, the com bination ofthe gusset means and retaining means comprising a gusset body memberhaving a pair of legs connected to form a substantially right angle, oneof said legs being adapted for securement to a portion of one of theplurality of tubular segments, and the other of said legs being adaptedfor securement to a portion of another, of the plurality of tubularsegments and having a first flange formed intermediate the ends, slidemeans extending through the one of the plurality of tubular segments andpartially supported in said other leg including retaining means at oneend thereof for resiliently retaining the unit on the window frame andflange means formed adjacent the other end thereof perpendicular to saidflange, said slide means further including, first shoulder means formedthereon for limiting outward movement of said slide means in the tubularmembers, and second shoulder means engageable with said first flange forlimiting inward movement of said slide means, and resilient meanssupported adjacent said other leg and disposed between the one of theplurality of tubular segments and said second flange for resilientlyurging said slide means inwardly of the one of the plurality of tubularsegments, whereby said retaining means resiliently engages the windowframe to hold the unit in place thereon.

4. Combination gusset means and retaining means for use with a windowframe and an adjustable window screen, having a sash formed of aplurality of tubular members, the combination comprising a pair ofchannelshaped legs connected to form a substantially right angle, saidlegs having inner and outer flanges, one of said legs being adapted forfrictional securement to a portion of the screen sash and the other ofsaidlegs being adapted for frictional securement to another portion ofthe screen sash, said inner flange of said one leg being formed toprovide an abutment, said outer flange of said other leg being formed toprovide an opening extending endwise into said one leg, slide meansextending through said opening into said one leg, first shoulder meanson said slide for engaging said outer flange of said other leg to limitoutward movement of said slide, second shoulder means on said slide forengaging said abutment to limit inward movement of said slide, retainingmeans on said slide, and resilient means in said one leg engaging saidslide for urging the same inwardly in said one leg for frictionallyengaging said retaining means with the wind-ow frame.

5. An adjustable window screen wherein the sash thereof comprisestubular segments connected together at their ends by gusset means, atleast some of said gusset means comprising a pair of legs connected toform a substantially right angle, said legs having inner and outerflanges to impart a channel shape thereto, one of said legs of each saidgusset means being frictionally held in an end portion of one of saidsegments and the other of said legs of each said gusset means beingfrictionally held in an end portion of another of said segments, saidinner flange of said one leg being formed to provide an abutment, saidouter flange of said other leg being shaped to provide an openingextending endwise into said one leg, slide means extending through saidopening into said one leg, first shoulder means on said slide forengaging a portion of said sash to limit outward movement of said slide,second shoulder means on said slide for engaging said abutment to limitinward movement of said slide, retaining means on said slide projectingoutwardly from said sash and movable with said slide, and resilientmeans in said one leg engaging said slide for urging said retainingmeans toward said sash.

6. An adjustable window screen wherein the sash thereof comprisestubular segments connected together at their ends by gusset means, atleast some of said gusset means comprising a pair of legs connected toform a substantially right angle, said legs having inner and outerflanges to impart a channel shape thereto, one of said legs of each saidgusset means being frictionally held in an end portion of one of saidsegments and the other of said legs of each said gusset means beingfrictionally held in an end portion of another of said segments,portions of the outer surface of each of said legs frictionally engagingthe inside of their associated segments to reinforce said end portionsthereof, said inner flange of said one leg being formed to provide anabutment, said outer flange of said other leg being shaped to provide anopening extending endwise into said one leg, slide means extendingthrough said opening into said one leg, first shoulder means on saidslide for engaging a portion of said sash to limit outward movement ofsaid slide, second shoulder means on said slide for engaging saidabutment to limit inward movement of said slide, retaining means on saidslide projecting outwardly from said sash and movable with said slide,and resilient means in said one leg engaging said slide for urging saidretaining means toward said sash.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Eastman.

Watson 160369 Everhard 160-369 Christie 292-87 Tinnerman 29287 Lipman18975 Millner 18975 Axelrod 18975 Hansen 292-87 Knebel 189-75 Olsen160381 X Buchanan 160369 Mendelsohn 2055 Pennington et al. 16090 XHARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

20 JEROME SCHNALL, BENJAMIN BENDE'IT,

CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Examiners.

1. IN A CONVERTIBLE STORM WINDOW AND SCREEN UNIT WHEREIN THE SEPARATE WINDOWS ARE SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SUBSTANTIALLY SIDE-BY-SIDE CHANNELS AND WHEREIN THE OUTER SIDE OF ONE OF SAID CHANNELS IS FORMED TO PROVIDE A FLANGE MEANS, SAID SCREEN COMPRISING A SASH HAVING SCREEN FABRIC ATTACHED THERETO, RETAINING MEANS SLIDABLY MOUNTED IN SAID SASH AND FRICTIONALLY ENGAGEABLE WITH THE FLANGE MEANS FOR SLIDABLY AND REMOVABLY HOLDING SAID SASH OUTSIDE THE ADJACENT CHANNELS AND PERMITTING SAID SCREEN TO BE OPERATED UP AND DOWN PARALLEL TO THE WINDOWS, SAID RETAINING MEANS INCLUDING LOW FRICTION BEARING MEANS ENGAGING SAID FLANGE MEANS FOR SPACING SAID SASH THEREFROM TO PREVENT ABRASION OF SAID FLANGE MEANS BY SAID SASH DURING RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREBETWEEN. 